chapter 14

   In chapter fourteen it explained Monroe's motivational sequence, which is the parts to a persuasive speech.  The first part is the attention.  This is when you relate the topic to the audience in order to gain their attention.  Therefore, make it relevant to them so they want to listen in more detail.  Then you must show the need, which is the problem or harm.  Then the satisfaction, which describes the solution to the problem.  You must also give a visualization, giving somewhat of a story or visual on how the solution is beneficial, or of how if the problem is not fixed, what can happen in the long run.  This is almost like a dramatization.  Lastly is the action, this is where you tell the audience what they can do to help with the proposed problem.  Each of these steps build from each other.

13.3

I found chapter ten on using language effectively the most useful in this weeks reading.  The text reminds you that words do have multiple meanings, and that individuals interpret words differently.  Idioms are expressions that mean something other than the literal meaning of the words.  This is similar to the flicker article we had to read about sexist language.  The text tells the speaker not to use cliches in their presentations because cliches are so overused the audience might think they've already heard the presentation and tend to tune it out.  It also talks about audience centered language, which was reviewed in the speech buddy videos. 

13.2

   The article on sexist language was interesting.  It's not something I think about when developing my speech but it is a good thing to keep in mind.  I wouldn't want to offend my audience.  The example of sexist language in the article is labeling an adult women as a girl, or every man likes a sporty girl.  A good thing to keep in mind from this article is,"Words carry meanings and attitudes."  That's a good thing to think about when writing your speech, and try not to use sexist words, or words with double meaning that could be taken negatively.

13.1

In the video 10.1 it discussed engaging the audience with language, which helps make the audience feel involved.  The video gives three ways to do this, which is refer to current events, use pronouns such as we, us, you and I, which makes the audience feel like they are part of the speech, and use inclusive language.  When using non-inclusive language it can offend members of your audience.  Another tip is to use visuals such as: similes, metaphors, parallelism, rhyme, alliteration, and antithesis, also spark the audiences imagination.  In video 10.2 I learned how to make language choices.  It gives tips to; use meaningful words, balance between clarity and ambiguity, be concise, avoid offensive language, build in repetition, and don't get attached to words.  In 12.1 I learned what to keep in mind with vocal delivery.  This includes; volume, pitch, rate, variety, and articulation and pronunciation.  In 12.2 physical delivery is discussed.  I learned a lot from this.  It is a reminder of all the things to remember while delivering your speech; eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, body movements, and appearance.  I learned the most from video 12.3.  It gave ways to practice your speech prior to presentation.  First start with a presentation outline, and then go to a complete sentence outline.  During this write down words that will trigger your memory; put those on note cards.  It is OK to adjust presentation during each practice, it doesn't need to be the same every time.  Go over outline out loud, practice in sections, and practice in front of friends.  

Second Speech

I presented this speech to my roommate; Amanda, and Rosita, and my neighbors; Eric, Adam, and Chris. I thought they would be a good audience because they all have taken comm. 20 class. This time around I added more facts to my speech, to make it longer. They timed me and this time it was 5 minutes and 10 seconds. I used the same visual, although I would have wanted a Power Point as well. Yea I improved on my speech this time around, compared to when I presented in class. I think I was more comfortable presenting to them, than the class because they’re my friends. I also knew the material more since I had just presented. The things I forgot during the actual presentation, I didn’t this time, such as one of the citations I forgot the first time.
If I had to do the speech again, I would have a PowerPoint, along with the photo album visual I used. I would also memorize the entire speech and try it without any note cards. The group gave me good feedback. They said I could work on body language a bit. I do tend to cross my legs while presenting. They also suggested for me to just talk, and not sound like I am reading off of something. The group said overall I did a good job, and they learned something from my presentation. Their feedback was helpful in improving my speech. This exercise was very useful. I got to get others peoples opinion from outside the class, which is always good to do.

Self Evaluation #2

    I think I achieved the purpose of my speech very well.  My main points were clear, and I got my point across.  I felt comfortable during the speech because I know the topic off hand.  If I had to do it over again there are a few things I would.  First I would do a bit more research to add more facts because I found that my speech ended up being too short.  I also would of added another visual to make the history more clear, such as using power point.  

   One goal that I have for improving the content of my next speech is to have more facts especially since the length of the speech needs to be much longer than the last two.  One goal I have for improving the delivery of my next speech is to take some tips from chapter eleven on adding a video clip, or using a different type visual besides PowerPoint, since it is a bit over used. The things that were good compared to my last presentation was my eye contact.  I tried to look at the audience a lot more, and read less off of my note cards.  I tried to concentrate on that while giving my speech.  I also had to body language compared to last time.  The bad things I did while presenting this time compared to last was that I did not meet the minimum requirement on time.  I also feel as though I had a better visual last time than this presentation. 

   I tried not to do anything distracting while giving my speech because I know I did last time. During the last speech I was crossing my legs, and holding the note cards to close to my face, causing a distraction.  I tried to remember the tips for improvement during the duration of my speech.  I think I did improve on not being distracting.  I would give myself a 7 on a scale of one to ten on eye contact.  I say this because I really tried look at the audience, and glance around the room as much as possible.  On a scale of A to F I would give myself a C, this is because I was clear and organized, with good body language, and eye contact, but I did not meet the minimum requirement on time.  I only mentioned a source citation one time during my speech.  Now that I think I meant to mention it twice, but I forgot about the last one.  

   Comparing this speech to the last one I do not think I did better this time.  I thought I would since I knew the topic very well, and a lot off the top of my head, also because its the second speech, and had some practice.  I did do better in some areas so such as eye contact, and body language.   I think for the next speech I am going to highlight important points such as citations , so I don't forget them.  Now if I can just put it all together, eye contact, body language, and the right amount of time.  

Chapter 11

Chapter 11 gave good points and advice on how to integrate presentation media into speeches.  Advice given for using transparencies is only display them when it pertains to your point, and remove them when you have moved on with your topic.  Also practice using your transparencies before giving the speech.  I think that goes with any visual aid used during a speech.  When using a video remember to keep it short, and continue talking while the video is going.  The tip to continue talking while the video is going, is new to me, I would never have thought.  For the informative speech I used a type of handout, and in the text it state, that they can be distracting, I can see how that could be.  I found the part about the Digital Slides Do's and Don't part the most helpful in the text because that is what majority of our class including myself likes to use.  It states that many people are tired of PowerPoint presentations and I can see that, it is a bit over used.  But it is a good way to get your point across.  Using Digital slides sparingly is good advice.  I try to do that with mine, because it can take away from the speech.  Keep slides clear and well organized.  It also states that sound affects are viewed negatively, which is a good point to remember.  I found this chapter very helpful when it comes to bringing visuals to speeches.  It taught me things I didn't know, and reminded me of those things I did know.